Although I like the idea that we would wave or even chat with fellow cyclists on a commute, I think it shows just how few people use bikes for transportation in the US.
I look forward to the time when transport cycling will not be unique enough to warrant a response. To use the standard example: I’m sure Dutch cyclists don’t all wave to each other.

That’s an interesting way to look at it, as I think of my tendency to want to acknowledge or interact w/ those around me as part of growing up in a rural area.

I generally don’t think there is much interaction on the commute now as it is, but the current bicycling/transpo cycling community is kind of like a small town. I often encounter people I know when out in the city riding.

My commute is early and most of my interaction is with the same people in cars at the same time. Always a wave. It is a small town. I get a horn beep and wave from the school bus driver as we cross paths on our appointed rounds! There is a young girl who rides a 29er that we trade waves every morning as she heads into the building where a couple of Dentists have their offices pretty close to the Lumberyard. I would like to talk to her sometime to find out her deal but I’m thinking she has no reason to talk to me.
Good Post.
BTW, I got my patch in the mail yesterday!!! Thank you so much!!!

This is one of the things I love most about biking too–running into someone I know and then actually being able to turn around and chat with whoever it is. The best mornings are when I pass or get passed by a friend, and then we can bike (at least part of the way) to work together:)